4 Types of Knee Surgery and How to Know If You Need Treatment

Our knees are one of the easiest joints to damage, and knee pain can come without injury because our knees are burdened with the weight of our entire body. The repetitive impact of walking, climbing up hills and stairs, and running can all take a toll.

But when does that knee pain go beyond icing, rest, and pain medication? When is surgery required? And what type of surgery might you need? We’ll cover all that in this quick guide.

Types of Knee Surgery

If you’re experiencing pain in your knees and there is no other way to resolve it, your doctor may suggest surgery. Here are the most common types of knee surgery and what they involve.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is the most common technique used for knee surgery. It works for many different knee issues, including full replacement of a knee.

With this method, a small incision will be cut and a thin instrument gets inserted along with a small camera. A second incision may be cut for tools and easier movement throughout the surgery.

Arthroscopic surgery is a treatment for:

Meniscus removal or repair

Reconstruction of ACL

Removal of connective tissue that may be inflamed

Damaged cartilage removal

Extraction of loose cartilage or bone

Kneecap (patella) treatment

Treatment of infection

And far more, including some of the surgeries below.

Microfracture Surgery

This surgery is common among professional athletes since they tend to wear down knee cartilage at a higher rate than non-athletes.

With microfracture surgery, small holes are created in the bone to help stimulate the growth of new cartilage. This can lead to a quicker recovery.

Release Surgery

If your hips are out of alignment — placing a strain on your knee and an awkward pull on your kneecap — or you’re consistently moving in ways that create excessive pull, release surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap.

Total Knee Replacement

If your knee pain is debilitating, keeping you from performing daily activities, and there is no other option, a total knee replacement may be suggested. This is a last resort for patients suffering from major injuries or arthritis.

Do I Need Knee Surgery?

While you won’t be able to determine yourself whether or not you’ll need knee surgery, there areindicators that should prompt a trip to your local physician.

The largest indicator is that no other treatment is working. If you’re in constant pain or you feel the pain regularly for several weeks with no relief, an evaluation should be conducted.

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Carolinas Center for Surgery is a team of regional medical leaders in a variety of surgical fields like orthopedics, bariatrics, sports medicine and more. Count on quality service from our surgeons at locations in Jacksonville, Morehead City, and Swansboro, North Carolina.